Before 2016, the EPA took regulatory action on 10-15 percent of new chemicals, clearing the way for 85-90 percent of new compounds to proceed without restrictions, Richard Engler, Bergeson and Campbell PC’s director of chemistry, said.

But since the amendments to the nation’s primary chemicals law passed in June 2016, those proportions have switched, he has said.

If this trend continues, more firms throughout the chemical supply chain—including aerospace, paint, and electronics makers—will face stricter regulatory obligations.